What Foods to Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal That Are Safe and Good For You

The other way to call wisdom teeth is third molars. They are usually the last to come-out at around the age between 17 and 25 years old. For some persons, the growth of wisdom teeth does not pose any problems at all as these usually align with the other teeth next to the second molars. However, such is not the case for the entire population. Some go through the problem of impacted molar teeth.

When you hear the term ‘impacted wisdom tooth’, it is either the wisdom tooth partially emerges from the gums, meaning, a portion of the crown is visible (partially impacted wisdom tooth) or the wisdom tooth does not come out from the gums (fully impacted) at all.

Impacted tooth wisdom results in dental health complications and this is the reason why some persons have no option but to have their wisdom teeth removed. It is a difficult process and you have to watch out for what you eat in order to hasten the healing process. In this blog, we will share with you some tips on what foods to eat after wisdom teeth removal that are safe and good for you.

Reasons Why Impacted Wisdom Teeth Are Removed

1.  Causes damage to the other healthy teeth

If the impacted wisdom tooth pushes its way to the second molar tooth, it can result in infection. The pressure can also lead to dental issues that cause misalignment of teeth, thus, needing orthodontic intervention to straighten the teeth.

2.   Dental cysts

The wisdom tooth grows in a sac in the jawbone area. This sac can fill with fluid that will eventually form into a cyst. Though the chance that the cyst is benign, still, it can cause damage to the teeth, nerves, and jawbone. In advanced stages, this may require surgery for the removal of bone and tissue.

3.   Tooth decay

If you have a partially impacted wisdom tooth, the chance of developing tooth decay is higher. This is because the wisdom tooth is harder to reach and clean. Plus, the fact that the food particles tend to stuck in between the second and the third molars.

4.   Gum disease

The challenge of cleaning the partially impacted wisdom tooth increases the chance of developing gum inflammation referred to as pericoronitis.

Having said all those complications of impacted wisdom teeth, all the more that you should be brave and start talking to your dentist about removing your impacted wisdom teeth. After the removal, here now are our tips for you on what to eat after wisdom teeth removal…

What to Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal (12 Foods)?

It is possible that you only have one wisdom tooth removed without any complications at all. If this is the case, your recovery period is faster as compared to if you have two or more wisdom teeth extracted.

Not all wisdom tooth extraction is the same, some are fairly easy while some procedures are more complex (e.g. wisdom tooth grows at an irregular angle). If this is your case, you may be prescribed to take antibiotics to fight off infections. We know the side-effects of antibiotics like diarrhea. There are food groups that can only worsen these antibiotic side-effects so you might as well avoid them. Examples are spicy and fatty foods. What you have to choose are the nutritious and soft foods that will help stop you from developing infections and speed up the healing process.

So now that you are aware of individual circumstances that affect wisdom tooth extraction, let us now look closer at what foods to eat after wisdom teeth removal that are safe and good for you:

  • 1. Blended soups

When you say blended soups, it means thick soups, the ones cooked with milk or cream. Good examples of blended soups are pumpkin soup and broccoli soups. These are easy to consume, plus the fact that these soups will make you feel full.

Another benefit of taking blended soups is that these are made with veggies, making these super healthy for someone who just had a wisdom tooth extraction. Of course, soups are very hydrating. Not sure what to buy? Amy’s Soups, Organic Cream of Mushroom or Cream of Tomato are good for a recuperating patient like you.

Just make sure that you wait for the blended soup to turn lukewarm because hot soups may irritate the affected area.

  • 2. Broths

The same as the blended soups, broths are a great choice of food after wisdom tooth extraction. Not only are broths super tasty but these are packed with vitamins and minerals that will speed up your recovery time.

Bone broth is touted for its superior health benefits. It is a tasty and very healthy stock cooked by slow simmering connective tissues and bones. This concoction is known to have anti-inflammatory properties which are perfect for someone recovering from wisdom teeth extraction.

Again, the broth is best consumed at a lukewarm temperature.

  • 3. Greek yogurt

Good food that is packed with high levels of protein. Greek yogurt has a cool and smooth texture that is very soothing for an inflamed mouth. Aside from protein, this food is loaded with vitamins and minerals such as zinc. Why is zinc important after wisdom teeth extraction? This is because zinc is known to promote faster healing of wounds.

  • 4. Mashed potatoes

If you are deciding on what foods to eat after wisdom teeth removal, then you’d never go wrong with mashed potatoes.

Potatoes are high in calories and nutrients which are essential for someone who is recovering from a wisdom tooth extraction. In just a few bites of mashed potatoes, you take in the required high energy requirements. No worries, you do not have to cook it from scratch because you can purchase ready-to-mix mashed potatoes online like Bob’s Red Mill Instant Mashed Potatoes Creamy Potato Flakes.

To make mashed potatoes even appetizing, you may want to drizzle some gravy sauce on top like the great-tasting McCormick Brown Gravy Mix.

  • 5. Scrambled eggs or omelet

There is no doubt that eggs are the most nutritious food on the planet. Eggs are abundant in nutrients and are very high in protein. Just a single piece of an egg is enough to make you feel full and healthy. Now, for someone who is looking for what foods to eat after wisdom teeth removal, your best bet is scrambled eggs or omelet. These types of egg preparations are easier to swallow which makes them ideal for someone who just has a wisdom tooth extraction.

  • 6. Applesauce

Though apples are very healthy they are crunchy and hard, making fresh apples not good if you just had your wisdom teeth removed.

Instead, why don’t you try applesauce? These are made from fresh apples that are pureed. Although applesauce may not be as nutritious as fresh apples because the skins are removed prior to pureeing, still it is a good way to receive your much-needed Vitamin C. The Kirkland Signature Organic Gluten-free, No Sugar Added Applesauce is a good choice.

  • 7. Mashed bananas

Banana is one of the best-tasting fruits. It is sweet, has a smooth texture, and is easy to swallow. Not only will you feel full after eating mashed bananas but you will also get the essential nutrients like potassium and B-vitamins.

Why do you need to mash? Yes, bananas are already soft as they are but mashing them will make it easier for you to swallow and also reduce the discomfort of chewing.

  • 8. Banana ice-cream

Ice cream is highly recommended by dentists after tooth extraction. The cold temperature of ice cream helps reduce swollen gums. Actually, any flavor will do but banana is a healthier alternative. How do you prepare banana ice-cream, here’s how?

3 to 4 pieces of bananas and a splash of milk are the two key ingredients. Place the bananas in the freezer for about 4 hours. Then cut them into slices and place them a blender. Pour in some milk or soy milk. Blend well until you get a creamy consistency.

  • 9. Oatmeal

Oatmeal is very filling, it is nutrient-packed, and it is ideal for someone who just went through a procedure of wisdom teeth extraction.

There are different types of oatmeal in the market but what we recommend for you right now is instant type of oatmeal. Why? It’s because the instant oatmeal is softer and less chewy compared to the rolled oats or the steel cut oats. Again, it is best eaten at a lukewarm temperature to prevent gum irritation.

  • 10. Salmon

What foods to eat after wisdom teeth removal that is safe and good for you? Salmon is one of the available choices for you.

Salmon is high in an omega-3 fatty acids and in protein. By now, we all know that omega-3 fat acid is a form of good fat. These good fats aid in the reduction of inflammation, thus, encouraging your wound to heal faster.

  • 11. Cottage cheese

If you are a lover of dairy products, then you can still have some after your wisdom teeth are removed. Cottage cheese is loaded with protein, and all the essential vitamins and minerals.

You may eat cottage cheese together with your scrambled egg for a more sumptuous meal after wisdom teeth extraction.

  • 12. Smoothies

Smoothies or fruit shakes are definitely good for you when you are looking for what foods to eat after wisdom teeth removal.

So now you know the foods that are good for you. Of course, there are also those food groups you need to avoid while you are recuperating from your tooth removal. Let’s now get into that…

What Foods to Avoid After Wisdom Teeth Removal?

If there are good foods for you, there are also those that can cause mouth irritation such as the ones listed below:

  • Spicy food will cause irritation and pain in the affected area.
  • Crunchy food like chips and fried chicken will only leave crumbs or food particles in the wound area, thereby, prolonging the healing process.
  • Chewy food like cakes and dates can increase the chance of you biting your inner cheeks and tongue, thus, can increase bleeding and infection.
  • Alcohol may only irritate your wound.

When Can You Begin Eating Normally After Wisdom Teeth Removal?

Most of the time, you can go back to your regular diet after one week.

The Bottom Line:

For as long as you maintain a diet that is rich in soft, nutritious, and healthy foods after your wisdom teeth removal, you are on your path to a successful recovery. The issue of what foods to eat after wisdom teeth removal, as you have seen, you’ve got great choices. Stick to them and soon, you will see yourself enjoying some crunchy and spicy food again.

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